Historic and modern, noisy and sophisticated at the same time, Copenhagen opens up to every person with its own facet of emotions. According to statistics, the Danes are among the happiest people on the planet and it seems that when you get to the capital of the kingdom – Copenhagen, you unwittingly become one of them.

All major sights of Copenhagen are within walking distance from the Central Railway Station, opposite of which there is an original, historical building, built in 1912, which until recently housed the Central Post Office and Telegraph Office of the Danish capital.

After careful and thorough reconstruction of the historical building, a five-star hotel “Villa Copenhagen” appeared here, which kindly welcomed us and became our cozy home during our visit to Copenhagen. Considering that the building, built in the neo-baroque style, has been recognized as an architectural monument and inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide, the Danish public has given special attention to this property.

After visiting the hotel, we can safely say that the team of architects, engineers, restorers, designers and artists did their jobs brilliantly: preserving the cultural heritage, historical interiors and details of the past, successfully combining them with modern infrastructure for a comfortable stay at the hotel.

We sat down with Peter Høgh Pedersen, Managing Director of Villa Copenhagen, and talked about the successful implementation of the project and how this property stands out from others.

PHP: Our complex is located in a historic building, which served with dignity for the postal Administration of the capital of Denmark until 2015. We started working on the project in 2017 and its implementation is the result of a lot of work done, and in many ways it also testifies to the resilience of the Copenhagen people, which helped us open our doors in July 2020, in the midst of a pandemic.

Looking at the structure of the building, it seemed that it would be quite suitable for hotels of a classic, luxurious style like KEMPINSKI or RITZ-CARLTON. However, for us Scandinavians, some of the outstanding examples of modern hotels in London, Berlin and New York have become sources of inspiration. Our vision behind the project was to create an original place for the majority, not a select few. Thus, the idea manifested itself in designing a space with a boutique hotel atmosphere and a cozy ambiance in a building measuring 25,000 square meters, and we did it. I also had a desire to remove the word “hotel” from the name, hence “Villa Copenhagen”, where everyone is always welcome, regardless of the status of visiting the complex.

There are extensive outdoor and indoor green spaces available for visitors, contributing to a sense of well-being and tranquility in public places, an inspiring and fun atmosphere. Social spaces include The Courtyard, designed by Shamballa Jewels, a jewellery brand that combines Scandinavian design traditions with ancient oriental philosophy to create a multidimensional space for events, live music concerts and exhibitions.

Of particular note is our rooftop pool and bar, where guests can take a dip in the 25-meter eco-friendly swimming pool, heated year-round by the excess heat generated by the kitchen refrigerators. Here you can enjoy an excellent cocktail while sitting comfortably in the original armchairs, work out in the 24-hour wellness center, go to the sauna or go for a run in the cozy garden, where we grow organic herbs, spices, vegetables and collect honey for our culinary establishments.

What other dining establishments are there at the Villa besides the rooftop bar?

PHP: Located on the ground floor of the former mail sorting room, Public and Rug Bakery are a spacious open kitchen area where guests are provided with a personalised selection of fresh breads, pastries and coffee, as well as à la carte meals that can be served to their room. Archival photographs inspired the entire design process using original arched openings, draped lamps, wall cladding, and original glazed brickwork. Using these elements, we try to tell the story through the lens of modernity.

T37 Lounge Bar offers a menu of ironic aesthetics, signature cocktails and light snacks. The bar has been designed with a fresh take on contemporary luxury. Mailbag straps hang as a centrepiece above the counter, and a striking palette of cherry and olive colours contrast with vintage cherry wood and marble elements. A tiled fireplace, cabinets reminiscent of residential Danish design, plush rugs and multi-layered warm lighting ensure that guests experience the Danish hygge. Next door is the Playroom with board games, books and luxurious furnishings for private and quiet evenings.

The cozy brasserie Kontrast has its own entrance from the street facing the Central Station and offers 24-hour service. Fresh, aromatic dishes made with organic ingredients from our garden and local suppliers are served in the lively open kitchen. I want to emphasise that in all gastronomic establishments at the Villa, we offer only organic food, which focuses on zero food waste.

Please tell us more about the main principles of Villa Copenhagen?

PHP: Our level of service is based on three values: Contrast, Happiness and Conscious Luxury. Regarding contrast, our hotel is focused on a balanced approach to life, reflecting Copenhagen’s rich heritage, sustainability and diversity. Happiness is to strive to appreciate the little joys of life, while not forgetting about your impact on the environment. Finally, deliberate luxury – from high ceilings and herringbone floors in rooms to critically acclaimed paintings by Wilhelm Hammershoy, the 19th century anti-impressionist – Villa Copenhagen surrounds you with exquisite luxury and opulence. We are also home to the finest private art collection in the city, valued at over USD 2 million. Together with renowned art curator Sune Nordgren, works by local talent and renowned international artists are now on display.

Can you tell us more about the stylish design of your Villa?

PHP: To keep the new interiors in line with the grandeur of 1912 Neo-Baroque architecture, and to keep the building at the forefront of Scandinavian design for another hundred years, we invited Universal Design Studio, an award-winning London architecture firm, to design several public spaces and 381 rooms on five floors of the hotel. The rooms now evoke the ambiance of a sophisticated Danish residence and have all the comforts, as well as restored original windows and interiors in muted tones of the color palette. Modern technologies have made it possible to enter rooms without a key, remote check-in and virtual check-out. The firm also designed the two-story Universal Penthouse Suite, which features a large spiral walnut and steel staircase leading to the living room and master bedroom.

Other contributors to the project include Danish architect Eva Harlow, who designed the popular Earth Suite, a suite made entirely of recycled materials and textiles with sustainable furnishings from Mater Design, while the remaining seven suites were designed by Shamballa Jewels, including the Shamballa Master Suite.

“Villa Copenhagen” was named one of the most beautiful hotels in the world by ELLE Décor. What is the current mission of Villa?

PHP: We strive to attract both local residents and visitors from other cities and countries, therefore we play an active role in creating a sustainable Copenhagen. Resilient cities and communities are attractive to tourists both now and in the long run. We want to be the best hotel in the world by making the extra effort, testing sustainable hospitality concepts and passing on knowledge to our fellow partners, competitors and customers.

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Leaving this exceptional place to go to the airport, which can be reached by train from the railway station in just 16 minutes, it felt that while being part of the Nordic Choice Hotel Group, this boutique hotel is like no other. It offers its vision aligning with the values ​​of contrast, conscious luxury, Danish happiness and is determined to redefine the hospitality industry. We love this fitting alteration of an old building – as it now has a chance for a second, no less interesting, life!

Discover the history of Villa Copenhagen and book your stay!
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About Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Washington DC based Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 360 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide recognizes authentic cultural treasures that demonstrate exemplary historic preservation and their inspired architecture, cultural traditions, and authentic cuisine. Historic Hotels Worldwide along with Historic Hotels of America are official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (United States of America).